Reviews

The Hidden by Melanie Golding

nerdywerewolf's review against another edition

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4.0

"Within the community, cult-whatever...there are stories. They're all to do with seal worship. Their version of bible stories, I suppose."

This series is scary-good. Scary because it never tells you whether the people seeing or experiencing fantastical things are sane or not. It's up to your own interpretation and there is A LOT to interpret.

This is the second Joanna Harper book and it deals with her own estranged daughter-raised-as-a-sister, Ruby. After her last case, in which a sleep-deprived mother was convinced faeries swapped her twins for changelings, this one is just as wacky and terrifying. This time, it's a woman convinced she's a selkie and needing to get back to her clan-The Rowans.

I can't even say if I like these or if they're just amazingly thought-out. I shall be thinking about this one for a while and if there's another, I'll probably read it, too. A good series for ponderers...

routergirl's review against another edition

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5.0

The Hidden - an impressive, beautifully written book. It's about selkies, and mothers who let go of their little ones to give them a better chance, and complex mother/daughter relationships, and a psychopath in the middle of it all.

I loved the idea that Constance looking for her coat could be portrayed to others as her losing her grasp on reality. I loved that Ruby was open to believing. The characters were so well written, the locations brought to life, the horror and the sadness, and the longing Constance has for the sea - all perfectly done.

Thank you for the opportunity to read this. Highly (HIGHLY) recommend it, and will likely be pushing it on people I know as soon as it comes out.

nearly_empty_nesting's review against another edition

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4.0

What I like about Melanie Golding is her ability to write about the challenges of women in the present day and her ability to add a touch of folklore. She adds just enough to make it plausible and completely thought-provoking.

In 'The Hidden', what begins as a murder investigation, turns into so much more. An attempted murder victim is not who he appears to be. Follow along to watch the escape from a coercive controlling domestic situation. He claims she's crazy for believing she is descended from the mythological Selkies. But is she?

This novel dives into family secrets, domestic abuse & kidnapping. The author ties it all together in a compelling narrative. It is fast-paced and thought-provoking. If the Synopsis sounds good to you, I highly recommend picking this one up.

twistedreader93's review against another edition

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5.0

This book definitely keeps you on your seat

annamh2000's review against another edition

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5.0

It was so good. It was a real page Turner and hard to put down. Though one of the main characters did so many fucked uo things and it’s still unfathomable to me that someone can be that evil. Also did make me a bit paranoid. So a remainder to everyone but especially women. Share your location with friends, check your car, purse, etc.. make sure there’s no external tracking device (like an Apple ID tag that you’re unaware of). It’s okay if your fronds know where you are for a first date or whatver the case may be. But just make sure the wrong people aren’t trying to track you. Sorry not to scary anyone but shit happens to people everyday and it’s better to be safe and alive. Anyway sorry that was the one thing while reading this book, I was like I need to make sure no one’s tracking me that I don’t know about. But very good book, but if you’re super paranoid/ anxious maybe don’t read it. For the most part I was okay reading it but it might be hard to read if you’re in a bad headspace

dakmommy's review against another edition

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2.0

was just not the type of book I like to read

windy_witch's review against another edition

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5.0

I loved this book, it was dark, mysterious and beautiful. This is the second book by Melanie Golding that I have read and I enjoyed it as much as the first.

Her stories bring an element of folklore to them which have me captivated and wanting more. I cannot wait for another instalment from this author.

litbrarybooks's review against another edition

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dark emotional mysterious sad tense slow-paced

2.0

eitan743's review against another edition

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emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

4.0

gay_for_jay's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

Golding created a work that absolutely captured the perfect blend of folklore and psychological thriller. Admittedly, I thought I knew was what happening until just about half-way through the book. Absolutely adored getting to know each character and follow Jo, Ruby, and Leonie through this almost perfectly crafted world. 

Having multiple narrators/viewpoints became a little overwhelming at times because it seems to drag out the story; however, as we reached the conclusion, I welcomed the time spent with each character. 

I choose to believe Constance A is still out there singing her song!